Sprott

The floors and ceiling throughout are American oak. A floor-to-ceiling, plate-glass window measuring 2.8 meters wide (or about nine feet) overlooks the entry courtyard.

To create a low-energy house, several passive environmental strategies have been incorporated into the home, including a heated floor system and exterior automated wood blinds. "Natural air ventilation in every room and cross-ventilation between opposite facades keeps the need for air conditioning to a minimum,

"The structure is made of a high-quality, high-strength Southern Yellow Pine, laminated and milled into beams and columns with highly-precise profiles,

Tongue-and-groove ceilings, mahogany-paneled walls, and a glass wall opening the living space to the atrium are classic Eichler characteristics.

The floor plan was streamlined by demolishing a wall between the living room and dining area. A staircase with white oak steps leads to the new top floor, which contains the master suite, roof deck, and study. “Opening up the space a bit, improving the views and flow, and adding that upper level added more opportunities for Greg and Kirsten to enjoy time with their family,” says architect Robert Miller of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson.

The 1952 dwelling that Greg Hoffman and his wife, Kirsten Brady, bought in Portland, Oregon, had many virtues. It had history (the first owner was an inventor who made stereoscopic devices), it had a strong architectural pedigree (it was designed by respected local architect Roscoe Hemenway), and above all, it had views. But, of course, it also had its flaws: the ceilings were low, the interior was chopped into a warren of rooms, and the windows weren’t exactly abundant. "We wanted open plans, more transparency, less tiny rooms," says Greg, the VP of global brand innovation at Nike. With the aid of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson—the 50-year-old architecture firm that is best known for the Fifth Avenue Apple store in New York City—the couple embarked on a project to enrich the landscaping, simplify the layout, and add a new top floor, all while amplifying the view with more glass. After a major renovation, the midcentury home with some of the best views in Portland, Oregon, took on a drastically new look.

"The attic bathroom was non-existent," explains Claude. "We created an attic shed dormer out the back of the house and added a tile shower, floor, and beautiful restroom/vanity area." The designers also added a large closet to the attic.

SHED added oversized sliding glass doors which allow for indoor/outdoor living during the warmer months, while new wood cabinetry establishes a clean, minimalist aesthetic, and an oversized, marble-topped island with a table extension provides room to cook, eat, and entertain. Oversized sliding doors open to the expansive deck, while skylights fill the space with natural light—a necessity with Seattle's gray winter skies.

SHED redid the original fireplace in black brick.

Entrance side view surrounded by landscapes and lake

Front facade

The owners’ goal was to transform the 19th-century building into a bold single-family residence. Historical architectural details were made modern with a striking black facade, while inside, a flexible living space that opens into an exterior garden enables a simplified lifestyle.

A staircase guides visitors from the home's entry in the rough cement base to the bright and airy residential space.

Originally built in 1977, and remodeled in 2000 by Seattle-based architect Tom Kundig, this expansive home is located in The Highlands, a cooperative community in Shoreline, Washington. The home's spacious interiors connect to the outdoors with immense pivot doors, and floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the surrounding forest. Much of the home—including the soaring library-like bookshelves—is constructed of mahogany sourced from Benaroya Hall—the home of the Seattle Symphony. The property also includes a finished basement, a heated pool, and fruit trees.

Originally built in 1949 by Richard Neutra, Alexander Ban, and Josef Van Der Kar, the Millard Kaufman Residence is located in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, California.

In the guest wing, the church’s Casavant organ still resides with its pipes intact. The keyboard (not pictured) is still accessible so that the organ can be played. "Even after the transformation, we still feel the original acoustic in the building," says Pierre. "It is majestic…The sound of the bell makes the villagers smile, and the sound of the organ makes the whole building vibrate, and there’s the incredible impression of living in a building that will last forever."

The kitchen counters and backsplash are from the Inalco Touché ceramic collection by Italbec. Base cabinets are lacquered in matte black and combined with natural white oak units, made bespoke by Ébénisterie Gaston Chouinard.

The angle of the roof is oriented to take full advantage of sun and views. The ceiling is a simple white surface that reflects light.

A hard-working galley kitchen with wood cabinets and stone counters.